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Gov. Reynolds permitted statewide health systems to resume elective procedures as well as farmers' markets under distancing parameters starting April 27. Reynolds stated the end of April as when the current
Des Moines Register

Leaders from more than a dozen Christian denominations are calling on Iowans to refrain from in-person religious gatherings despite Gov. Kim Reynolds' lifting of some restrictions on religious services.

The Interfaith Alliance of Iowa on Tuesday issued a statement calling on Iowa congregations and members to stay at home.

"It is by our faith that we are compelled to love our neighbor," the group said in a statement. "In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, that love comes to expression by remaining physically apart."

The Interfaith Alliance of Iowa said decisions on returning to in-person gatherings should be based on science and the recommendation of public health officials.

"For the sake of the common good, we ask all congregations, their leaders, and their members to prioritize the safety and well being of each other, those at particular risk, and those in their broader community," the statement said.

Several denominations have announced they will not resume in-person services at this time.

"The health and survival of the elderly and other vulnerable populations is still a grave concern. Many parishioners and priests fall within these groups," the church said in a news release.

"...Without an effective vaccine or widespread testing and contact data that justifies a change in course, we simply are not at a place where we can resume our previous prayer practices."

West Des Moines-based Lutheran Church of Hope said it will continue to hold services online.

"Currently in the Des Moines area (and most other locations where Hope has a campus or local site), COVID-19 cases and death rates are still on the rise," the Rev. Mike Housholder said in a message to church members. "As long as that’s the case, worship gatherings of more than 10 people might be legal, but also unwise and unsafe."

Lutheran Church of Hope has locations in Ames, Ankeny, Des Moines, Grimes, Waukee and West Des Moines.

On Monday, Iowa United Methodist Church Bishop Laurie Haller encouraged her denomination to refrain from holding in-person services until June 1, despite earlier saying she intended to follow the governor's guidelines around worship.

"Our first priority as disciples of Jesus Christ is to protect those who are most vulnerable, which includes the elderly, the very young and those with underlying health conditions," Haller wrote. "Even though we all want to return to our churches and be a part of the body of Christ in person, I believe that it is more important to assure the safety of our communities from further infections."

The Catholic bishops said the church will monitor statewide and regional coronavirus data through May and beyond.

"When the time comes that we can gather in greater numbers while observing social distance, safe hygienic practices and other precautions without placing one another at serious risk, public Masses and other sacramental celebrations will be allowed to resume," the release says.

On Monday, Reynolds announced that would lift restrictions on some businesses in 77 of Iowa's 99 counties, starting Friday.

Among the businesses that can operate in those 77 counties:

Restaurants can open at 50% of their normal operating capacity. Restaurants cannot seat more than six people at a table, and all tables must be at least six feet apart. Restaurants cannot have buffets or other self-serve items.

Malls, fitness centers, libraries and retail stores can also open at 50% of their legal occupancy capacity, which is determined by fire code. Mall operators must keep play areas and other common seating areas, such as food courts, closed.

Race tracks, other than those conducting horse or dog races, can reopen as long as they do not permit spectators.

Social, community, recreational and leisure sporting events are limited to 10 people or fewer.